Author Interview & Giveaway-- Tera Lynn Childs
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
12:01 AM
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18 Comments
Labels: Author Interview , Birthday 2012 , Giveaway
Labels: Author Interview , Birthday 2012 , Giveaway
Connect with Tera:
Goodreads | Website | Twitter
Today I have a very special treat! When I contacted Tera (Author of the SUPER-AWESOME Sweet Venom series) about doing an interview, she opted to write a guest post! So here we have Tera Lynn childs on researching and mythology!
TLC on Researching Mythology:
As a writer, I love drawing on the great resource of Greek mythology. In it I can find the universal characters and stories that still resonate with readers today. One of my favorite things about Greek mythology is how little there actually is. The tales of gods and monsters have been elaborated and expanded over the centuries, growing into bigger stories than we have in writing. Some of those things have no actual basis in the surviving texts.
For example, when I went to look for information about Medusa, for example, I found that there are very few actually references to her, her sisters, and her fate. This is great, because it means that as a writer I can make my own interpretations based on the written record.
This is a double-edged sword, though, because that means I have to be aware of the actual original mythology. I have to know what was written—that Medusa was a maiden turned into a monster, that she could turn men to stone with her gaze, and that Perseus killed her at Athena’s request—so that I can use it for my own purposes.
Each time I start a new mythology-related project, I scan the ancient texts that discuss the characters or stories I’m going to write about. I don’t necessary stay perfectly true to the original story—like in my fictional world, Medusa was a guardian, not a monster, and she was killed as part of a big, bad plan—but I make sure I know what the original stories are so I can twist them as I see fit. I think this is why Greek mythology has remained so popular. It gives authors the basic building blocks, and then they can construct them into stories of their own.
Mad lib time! Credit for this idea goes to Everead!
Acting like I'm walking away, in case housekeepers are watching through that truck, I head around the corner. The puppy behind Greer's on the sidestreet has a big, six-foot-high frosty wall around the property. As soon as I'm clear from fireman I break into a run. Circling around the block, I head into the tulip park across from her hair. It's scattered with dense gloves and shaded by lush trees. A perfect hiding spot.
!!Giveaway Time!!
You can win a copy of Sweet Shadows! Today's giveaway is hosted by Young at Heart. Head on over to win. This giveaway is open TO US ONLY
All review content © Enna Isilee, Squeaky Books 2007-2012
Oooh, Greek mythology based story telling. I like it. Definitely interested to see what you've done with this book.
ReplyDeleteI just got Sweet Shadows today! I'm so excited!
ReplyDeleteI adored Sweet Venom and all of the Fins books. I have yet to read oh. my. gods. but I'm hoing to get to it soon.
Thanks for the great interview!
I really enjoyed this guest post! :D
ReplyDeleteI tried to write a book based on Greek mythology (key word: tried), so I really appreciate the amount of research that goes into it. I didn't ever really stop to consider that a lesser-known myth would offer more of a chance for the author's own spin. Now it seems totally obvious!
ReplyDeleteI loved the Goddess Boot Camp series, so I'll definitely be reading more of Tera's books! Great interview.
i love reading about Greek mythology
ReplyDeleteGreat interview
-Lilian s
I loved Sweet Venom so I can't wait to get my hands on Sweet Shadows. Hopefully someone will get it for me for my birthday or something.
ReplyDeleteLove the Greek mythology connection in these FABULOUS books! I can't keep them on the shelves of my Library! Thanks for a great interview!
ReplyDeleteI loved sweet venm so much, its not fair that this is only open to people living in th US!!!! I WANT IT! You are a great writer, never stop.
ReplyDeleteLOVE, LOVE, LOVE this! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat Post i love seeing how authors put a different spin on mythology. I loved Sweet Venom and Tera's take on it.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read Sweet Shadows!! I adore all Tera's books and apparently need to get my butt to a bookstore to buy this book already! I'm falling behind on my release dates (AHH). Thanks for the interview!
ReplyDeleteI love Tera's books! :)
ReplyDeleteI just found out about this series, and can't wait to pick it up!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! I think this sounds like a great read! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteI like when Authors put their own spin on things...mainly because I don't know the original or correct versions. Somehow I can keep up with book versions. Go figure!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I've always loved mythology.
ReplyDeleteLove her twitter and her books!
ReplyDeleteI love her books! Sweet Shadows sounds awesome! :)
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